You are looking for answers, are you not, Shieldmaiden of Etceter? The man grinned, no humor in his eyes.
Stay away from me! Syenna tried to sound strong, but the words tumbled from her quivering lips, weak and resonant with fear.
What happened to your sister? the man murmured. Why could you not stop it? What can possibly be done to fix her? Restore her? Save her? Are these not the questions that burn to be answered for Syenna of Quel?
Syenna could only manage a guttural cry that lodged in her throat.
I have the answers for you here, the man said. He opened both of his hands before her.
A pair of black polished obsidian stones lay, one in the palm of each hand.
All you have to do is bring Captain Aren Bennis to me, the man said. Hand one of these to Aren, hold the other in your hand, and then touch him. That is how you will bring him to me. Once he is with me, I will give you all the answers you seek.
Why why do you want him? Syenna said, her mouth dry.
Are you asking another question? The man grinned viciously as he spoke. Answers can be expensive and sometimes they cost us more than they are worth.
What if he doesnt want to come? Syenna swallowed hard, trying to think.
But he sent for me. The man smiled again. All you need to do is tell him that Evard Dirae has come for him. Is that not worth your sisters life?
CHAPTER.
21.
Practical Men General Milos Karpasic, Supreme Lord of the Westreach Army, was utterly exhausted. He fancied himself a great warrior, an old campaigner who was tough as steel and tireless as the tide. Yet, as he stood at the flap entering his tent, watching the last shreds of sunset bleed over the horizon, he could feel the creaking ache in his bones and the stiffness of his muscles.
Time, he thought. I am running out of time.
For the sake of the guards standing watch on either side of the entrance to his tent, Karpasic straightened up, arching his back as he puffed up his chest. He felt several of the vertebrae crack back into place though not nearly enough of them. The guards were watching him out of the corners of their eyes. He did not dare show weakness to those under his command. He knew, more than anyone, that those who were younger, faster, and stronger could smell it when someone above them was ripening and ready to be plucked from their position. One is always the most fearful of becoming the prey one once hunted in ones youth.
Sentry!
Aye, sire!
Karpasic knew the mans name was Coopersmith but preferred to keep the man beneath his notice. You will find Captain Halik at once. Order him to a.s.semble my war staff and present them here within the half hour.
Aye, sire, Coopersmith answered.
Do it now! the general barked. Move!
The sentry only blinked once before bolting from his post.
Karpasic turned and stepped into his tent. There were several compartments in the large portable dwelling that not only fit his stature as master of the Westreach Army, but did duty as both his residence and place of command. His staff had set it up for him, as they always did, in advance of his arrival. They had chosen this spot according to his instructions, which, in this case, meant that they had settled the encampment at the farthest reach of their days march. Karpasic realized he should have been more specific in his instructions. The army had crossed the river at Jaanaford, sweeping over the town there like a carpet of locusts as they followed the Broken Road that afternoon, but then by early evening had stopped to encamp. Upon arriving at the encampment, Karpasic realized that the army had stopped just short of their objective and that they needed to press on to Opalis that night. Captain Halik had insisted that the army needed a nights rest before they approached the city, and pointed to his tent already erected and awaiting his pleasure. Karpasics first look at his comfortable retreat now beckoning him against the banks of the West Jaana River nearly overcame his better judgment.
Now, weary from the prolonged ride and out of sight of his staff, he was grateful for at least the short respite despite the urgent thought that kept pushing at him from the back of his mind.
Another day, he muttered to himself. I cannot afford one more days march. Tired or not, we have to press on before The general stopped his musings, suddenly glaring at the dark-clad figure that was sitting casually on his throne.
Get out! Karpasic snapped.
Oh, must I? the man in the Obsidian cloak asked with exaggerated disappointment. And after coming so very far just to see you again.
I said get out, Dirae! Karpasic could feel the heat in his face as he flushed with anger and embarra.s.sment at once. How did he find me? How do I explain this?
And here I thought you and I had come to an understanding, Evard said as the words dribbled from his lips in mock hurt. The playful pout drew tight as his cold eyes fixed on the general. But I suppose when one misplaces an entire army of warriors more than a hundred leagues from where they are expected to be, one might be a bit out of sorts and not p.r.o.ne to entertain sudden company. Especially if that company happens to represent the Obsidian Cause in whose service that general is supposed to be engaged.
Karpasic held very still.
Evard shrugged and pushed himself up from the chair. I supposed you are right. Ill just go back to Desolis and report to the Inner Circle that I have found their missing army for them. It will be up to them to deal with those whose faulty sense of direction and complete inability to read a map has brought them so far from their expected duty.
Evard walked past Karpasic, reaching for the flap covering the tent exit.
Karpasic tilted his head back toward the sorcerer as he spoke. Master Dirae Evard stopped before the exit, turning toward Karpasic as he spoke with impatience. Yes, General?
We are both practical men, are we not? the general offered.
A slight smile played at the edges of Evards lips. I have always considered myself so, General.
Could we talk for a bit?
Why?
We might both profit from some conversation.
I would not mind a little give and take, Evard replied cautiously.
Karpasic nodded and then moved toward his ornate chair. He did not sit in it, despite his aching legs begging the rest of him to do so. Instead he rested his hand on its back for support and then turned to face the sorcerer. We are on a resupply and forage sortie.
A forage sortie? Evard failed to hide the laugh behind the words. You force-marched an army of conquest for the Obsidian Empire in the opposite direction from your orders for three days just so you can resupply it?
There were There are unique objects being held by the city that are critical to the Obsidian Cause, General Karpasic said, although the words sounded unconvincing even in his own head. We had received knowledge of it, and it required swift action if these objects were to be secured.
And I suppose that these objects, Evard continued for the general, are of such a nature that you wish to keep the knowledge of them to yourself until such time as they can be properly secured.
Just so, Karpasic agreed. It was a convenient lie, of course, but the response of the Obsidian sorcerer told the general that the lie benefited them both in some way. Evard appeared to be supporting Karpasic or, at the very least, not bringing the weight of the full fury of the Inner Circle of the Obsidian Cause down on his neck.
It is most fortunate for you, General, that I already know about at least one of these unique objects to which you refer, Evard said offhandedly.
Karpasic fixed his eyes on Evard. The story had been a pure fabrication on his part, but now the Obsidian craftmaster appeared to be supporting it. Indeed?
Yes, Evard replied, folding his hands together casually behind his back as he took another step into the tent. It is an ancient artifact that appears to have been lost while in the possession an officer in your command a Captain Aren Bennis, I believe.
Karpasic could feel the color drain from his broad face. Captain Bennis is I regret to inform the craftmaster that the captain died some weeks ago.
Then I am delighted to inform the general that his report is in error, Evard said with quiet calm. Captain Bennis was taken captive by operatives of the so-called Council of Might and carried away for interrogation regarding the artifact, which is, by the way, still in his possession.
That is not possible, Karpasic blurted out.
I a.s.sure you it is, Evard said, the tone in his voice cold. Despite the efforts of some persons to have arranged for it to be otherwise.
This artifact you mention you mean that sword of his? Karpasic swallowed and tried to shift the conversation away from the dangerous ground of who ordered Arens death. The memory of holding that cursed blade sent chills over his flesh, but he knew with the sense of any merchant trader that one never gave away the value of the item being bargained over. I believe he showed it to me once. Its nothing, Craftmaster"just a rusting old blade.
Have care, General, Evard cautioned. This rusting old blade is all that stands between keeping or losing your command. I say it is an ancient artifact of immense power the recovery of which drove your decision to move your army to the south. Do you not agree?
Karpasic drew in a breath. My mistake, Craftmaster. It is, indeed, the primary reason I acted with such haste for its recovery.
I suspected as much. Evard nodded and gave a pleasant smile. Now, if I may antic.i.p.ate your plans further, it was most fortunate that I found you here during your march so we could work together to execute your brilliant plan for the recovery of the artifact.
It is fortunate indeed, Karpasic lied. And would the craftmaster care to detail what my brilliant plan might be?
You will remain encamped here for three days while I extract the artifact and Captain Bennis from his captivity in Opalis, Evard said casually. After that, you might consider your objective completed and turn your army back up the Broken Road so it may return to where it is expected to be.
An excellent plan. Karpasic swallowed. Even if I say so myself"but with a necessary modification.
Necessary?
Yes, Craftmaster, Karpasic said, stepping toward the sorcerer. My army was promised spoils from this march. They were promised a prize in Opalis. They are earning their wages, and they must be paid if they are to remain in the service of the Obsidian Cabal.
It is a waste of your army, General. Evard shook his head. Even if you were to take it, Opalis will be expensive to hold and a drain on the Obsidian Empire to maintain so far from Desolis.
I am afraid that my army will insist we take it, Karpasic said with a wistful grin, but we have no desire to keep it.
Ah. Evard nodded. I see.
We are, indeed, practical men, Karpasic said, walking over to face Evard. I will issue the order tonight, before I retire, for the army to encamp here for three days recovery from the march. Will that be agreeable?
It is indeed, General. Evard bowed slightly.
The general bowed in return.
Captain Halik ducked into the tent at that moment, his breathing heavy from his exertions in coming so quickly. He was still fastening the buckle of his breastplate as he entered.
My thanks for your hospitality, General, Evard said as he turned. I look forward to our next meeting.
Evard pa.s.sed Halik as he exited the tent. Halik looked in astonishment after the Obsidian sorcerer who had just swept past him.
General Karpasic! What was an Obsidian"
The general held up his hand to silence the captain and then quickly stepped over to him. Follow him. Make sure Craftmaster Dirae leaves the camp. Then return to me.
Halik left at once.
Evard immediately noticed the captain of the Westreach Army following at his heels. He determined to make it only moderately difficult for the man to keep track of him as he made his way to the edge of the encampment. The exercise was barely a distraction, giving him time to reflect.
Karpasic was as predictable as he was stupid. For Evard, that meant he could be controlled so long as the Obsidian sorcerer could keep the right leverage on the fool. He could only hope that Karpasic would give him the time Evard needed to do what he had come to do.
He doubted it, however, since he was, after all, a practical man.
He has left the encampment, sire, Halik reported, sweat pouring from his brow despite the chill of the night penetrating the generals tent.
Well done, Captain, Karpasic said as he sat on his throne-chair. He gestured to a much smaller chair that he had ordered and that was set in front of him. Please take a seat.
General, Halik said uneasily. You have always insisted that your staff stand in your presence.
Was my invitation unclear? Karpasic said, his voice rising despite its tired sound. Sit!
Halik hesitated a moment longer before lowering himself onto the chair.
Now, listen carefully to me, Captain, Karpasic said. Did you leave standing orders for the army to decamp in the morning and march on Opalis?
Aye, sire. Halik nodded. As per your orders.
Very well. Karpasic sighed. He desperately wanted to fall onto his cot and let the ache in his body fall away from him in sleep, but he had this one last task to perform. Now, I am now revoking those orders and issuing new orders that the army remain here in camp for the next three days.
Very well, General. Halik stood up. Ill issue those orders to the commanders at once and"
Did I give you permission to leave? Karpasic yelled, his voice carrying beyond the tent.
Halik blinked. No, sire!
Then sit down!
The captain slowly took to the chair once more.
It will be unfortunate that those orders will somehow not reach their commands until after the army had already broken camp and made their march the rest of the distance to Opalis, the general stated with pointed emphasis to his captain. You may apologize now for that failure, which will take place tomorrow morning.
I I apologize, Halik said in some confusion, but clearly understanding his commanders intention.
You are forgiven this understandable failure in the chain of command, Karpasic said. It will be unfortunate that delivering this message will be so impractical.
Yes, sire, Halik agreed.